Chapter 4

Every nerve in my body was on fire. My heart raced, but I didn't move. 

Slowly, he parted my legs and guided himself to my entrance. I stifled a scream as he entered me with one long thrust. He found my clitoris and rubbed, and took a nipple into his mouth.

I gasped as he began to thrust inside my wet core, his being stretching me into infinity. “Shit!” I moaned and sank into the bed.

A few more strokes from him, and I shattered completely under him as waves upon waves of my climax surged through me. A raspy groan escaped his lips, and he climaxed next to mine and collapsed on me. He slid to the bed, and we panted from the marathon. Now what?

Silence slithered into the place. I turned and stole a glance at him, and he was asleep– or so I thought. I turned to leave, and his hands caught me– and pulled me to his chest.

“Stay!” he pleaded and kissed my temple. He didn’t need to say it twice; in his arms is where I’d rather be. I nestled closer on his chest and drifted away to a peaceful sleep.

***

Rays of sunlight landed on my face. I blinked a few times as the memories of last night replayed in my head. A warm smile spilled on my lips.

I swiveled on the bed and found the other side empty. Slowly, I sat up on the bed, and just when I thought I was alone in the room, I saw him standing near the window, dressed up again, with his back to me.

“Good morning,” I muttered and stared at him. Tilting his head over his shoulder, he glanced at me and resumed staring across the window.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

“Mabel. Mabel Parker,” I said.

Slowly, he turned around and faced me, his eyes cold as winter’s breeze. He strode to the table and picked up a glass of wine, shaking it gently, and he looked me dead in the eyes. “Last night, my drink was spiked, and suddenly, you showed up. Who are you working with, Mabel?” he asked.

“What?” My brows pulled closely as I tried to decipher what he was talking about. “I do not understand.”

“If you do not want me calling the police on you, I suggest you start talking, Ms. Parker,” he said. “I don’t have all the time.”

My heart began to thud harder than it has ever. Police? What does the police have to do with the one-night stand we shared? “How could I spike your drink? I-I wasn’t even the one who served you a drink. I-I do not know what you’re talking about.”

“I have seen this in movies, girls like you acting smart. There’s a possibility that you conspired with the girl who served me a drink.”

“I did not!” Tears gathered in my eyes; never have I been accused of such. “I will never, I have never spiked anyone’s drinks.”

“You suddenly came to me,” he said.

“Yes, someone came to me at the ball and said someone needed a drink, and the next thing I found myself in your room. I had no idea.”

A sinister smile played on his lips. “Who?” he asked. I realized I didn’t even know the name of the lady from last night.

His phone rang, and he picked up. “Hello, sweetheart,” he answered.

Sweetheart? He had a sweetheart? “Yes, I’m in my suite,” he said, then just then a knock rapped on the door.

He answered, and my gaze settled on a brunette, so beautiful with the body of a model. And there was also a woman, possibly in her late seventies. “Oh, thank goodness you’re safe!” the older woman rasped and hugged him.

“Grandmother Emelda. I’m fine,” he said and straightened up.

“So you’re cheating on me?” the model-looking lady broke into tears.

“Angelina!” he said and stepped towards her, but she stepped back. It wrenched my heart seeing how much effort he made toward her, the way he looked at her with affection. “I swear, I had no idea. My drink was spiked.”

Angelina suddenly stopped crying, and her furious gaze darted to me. “You wouldn't. You low-life!” Before I could blink my eyes, she darted to me on the bed, dragging my hair and hitting me everywhere possible.

“Angelina, stop!” All I heard was their voices, and they pulled her away from me.

“Leave me. I am calling the police right away,” she threatened.

“She’s not worth it,” he said and pulled her into his arms. I tried to fight the tears. My heart heaved from the pain that seared my heart.

“I didn't do it,” I muttered.

“Oh, you’re still talking?!” Angelina shrieked. “Dress up and get out, you whore!” she pointed at the door.

Gasping, I fought back the tears. “Leave before I involve the manager,” he said.

With blurry eyes, I clambered down from the bed. He was decent enough to turn around, and I hurriedly jumped into my clothes. I have never felt so ashamed of myself and little. I finished and scurried to the door. “I’m sorry,” I mumbled.

“Get out!” she shrieked.

Bowing my head, I ran without looking back, tracing my way to the reception where I picked up my bag and headed out. I jumped into the first taxi I could find. I was surprised to see my payment from the Forte-night ball.

In the safe space of my apartment, I broke into tears and realized there was nothing keeping me here. I gathered myself off the floor and packed my things, taking with me the portrait on the shelf.

My phone rang, and it was Ruth. I couldn't afford to tell her about the shame this morning and continue to bore her with my unfortunate life.

I tucked the phone in my pocket and, with one last glance at my apartment, I shut the door and headed out.